Join us for this engaging virtual conference on Thursday 5 - Friday 6 December 2024
(2 x half days)

Middle Years Conference 2024

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overview

Join us for the first-ever Middle Years Conference 2024, an engaging two-day virtual event designed for educators worldwide, presented by the International Curriculum Association (ICA) and the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC).

This year's first theme focuses on the latest research concerning the needs of the teenage brain, tailored to improve learning in middle schools globally.

Duration: 8.5 hours

Julie Wright, MFT and
Heather Turgeon, MFT

Julie Wright, MFT is a psychotherapist whose work focuses on empathic, mindful parenting, attachment, and sleep. She has specialized training and experience in the 0-3 years, interning at Cedars Sinai Early Childhood Center and LA Child Guidance Clinic. She created the popular Wright Mommy, Daddy and Me program in Los Angeles, which provides community, support and education for new parents. Julie lives in New York City and has an adult son.

Heather Turgeon, MFT, is a psychotherapist and sleep specialist. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and more. As co-founder of The Happy Sleeper, Heather consults with schools, delivers seminars and workshops and helps parents with kids of all ages sleep well. She lives in Los Angeles and has a (well-rested) tween and teen.

David Harkin

David is a dedicated husband and father of three boys, and the CEO and Founder of 8billionideas, a company that has impacted over 500,000 students in 26 countries by teaching critical skills such as entrepreneurship, future skills, career education, performance, and well-being. A two-time TEDx speaker and author of 'The Ripple Effect,' David has earned international recognition, including a ranking of 8th globally by ISC Research in 2022, and nominations for 'Creative Entrepreneur of the Year 2022' and 'Global Entrepreneur of the Year 2023.' He is a Fellow of HPL, a Champion of the FED in the UK, and serves on the EAB of The Female Lead. David has formed key partnerships with figures like Sir Clive Woodward and Sir Michael Morpurgo to further educational initiatives. Before his career in education, he held a significant role at IBM and was the youngest recipient of the CEO award.

Our Middle Years Conference 2024 will explore the seven critical needs of the teenage brain, articulated through the acronym IMPARTS: Interlinking learning, Making meaning, Peers, Agency, Risk-taking, Transition, and unveiling our new need—Sleep. This addition of the crucial role of Sleep and its impact on adolescent learning marks another enhancement to our comprehensive understanding of adolescent development.

Participants will engage in a variety of workshops designed to practically implement each of the needs of the teenage brain in their teaching. The conference will feature engaging sessions led by the Head of the IMYC, ensuring a rich, collaborative learning experience. Highlights include the presentation of groundbreaking research on 'Sleep and its Impact on Learning in Adolescence' and insights from keynote speakers on sleep research and learning.

Whether you aim to enrich your teaching practices or connect with fellow educators from around the world, the upcoming virtual Middle Years Conference 2024 offers a unique opportunity to foster an educational environment that is innovative and nurturing for the teenage brain.

In-depth insights: Hear from keynote speakers, Heather Turgeon and Julie Wright, who will share cutting-edge research and strategies on the importance of sleep for teenagers.
Interactive workshops: Participate in seven engaging sessions, each dedicated to a specific need of the teenage brain outlined in a model known as IMPARTS—Interlinking Learning, Making Meaning, Peers, Agency, Risk-taking, Transition, and Sleep. These workshops will offer actionable insights and practical strategies for classroom implementation.
Exclusive previews: Get a first look at upcoming initiatives including our inaugural book club, our new ICA pro subscription service, the November ICA conference, and exciting new partnerships.
Networking opportunities: Connect with educators from around the globe to share experiences, challenges, and solutions in supporting the teenage brain.

Lee Hendricks

Conference Lead

With 20 years in international education, Lee has progressed from teaching language arts and history to serving as a dean and principal in countries like the U.S., France, Spain, and China. As the Head of the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) at ICA, he now designs holistic curricula for middle schools worldwide. His passions are advocating for the diverse range of learners in schools, advancing global competence, and prioritising health and well-being for adolescents in education.

Colin Gear

Conference Moderator

Colin Gear is the IMYC coordinator at Hope International School in Okinawa, Japan. From 2014-2021, he was responsible for technology integration at the International School of Koje in South Korea, supporting the school with its IPC and IMYC accreditation journey. In 2019, Colin became the IMYC Curriculum Coordinator and in-school mentor. He has delivered a range of face-to-face, online blended and online IMYC training courses and in August 2021 he started his ICA mentorship journey. Colin is currently a member of the IMYC Curriculum Steering Committee.

brought to you by

The International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC)

This icaSpotlight is brought to you by the IMYC, supporting you empower, engage, educate

Patrick Jones - Course author

Working with you to champion quality, improve learning and unlock potential.

Middle Years Conference 2024

Empower, Engage, Educate:
Unlocking the Needs of the Teenage Brain

Ideal for Middle Years educators, leaders and parents

Keynote Speakers

Julie Wright, MFT and
Heather Turgeon, MFT

Psychotherapists and Sleep Specialists